Definition of rudenext
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as in crude
being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining rude pelts that were sent to Europe to be fashioned into elegant hats and coats

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rude differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rude are crude, raw, and rough. While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

Where would crude be a reasonable alternative to rude?

The words crude and rude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

When would raw be a good substitute for rude?

In some situations, the words raw and rude are roughly equivalent. However, raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

When is rough a more appropriate choice than rude?

The synonyms rough and rude are sometimes interchangeable, but rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rude My ‘Deborah Vance Show senior writer’ persona was kind of a rude complainer with an incipient alcohol problem. Merrill Markoe, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 Neuqua Valley offensive lineman Max Schueneman received a rude welcome to varsity football. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 Only one in 10 travelers said public displays of affection at the pool or in common areas was considered rude. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 2026 Maybe your child or grandchild posted a rude comment in a group chat. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rude
Adjective
  • Ella didn’t respond to me and continues to write more disrespectful posts.
    Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Dolly, of course, would never have dreamed of being so disrespectful.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Yirenki’s challenge on Christos Tzolis is clumsy, but well short of a first yellow card, let alone a second.
    Graham Scott, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Vocals are surprisingly good, despite the show being a bit awkward and clumsy at times.
    Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • When the Followers began, healthcare on the Western frontier was primitive, unsanitary and riddled with con artists peddling fake cures.
    Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In an early study, researchers collected about five hours of primitive tennis movements from amateur players using a compact motion-capture setup.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Murdoch is thick-skinned and accustomed to being underestimated by the condescending Brits, who see him as a crass interloper.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The vulnerability, the crass graffiti, the (lack of) cleanliness, uncomfortable toilet seats—the list of reasons is lengthy.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Language would have been a part of the divide between Roman and barbarian.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
  • For the design of the barbarian figure, Sweet reached out to Mark Taylor, an artist and designer at Mattel.
    Sanat Pai RaikarAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • The old worst dressed lists could be cruel, sexist, culturally ignorant, and spectacularly misguided.
    Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Mamdani’s ignorant opinion illustrates Kissinger’s concern, relying on emotional display rather than the facts.
    Daniel Kolkey, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Some do this flippantly, but reader Robin suggested drivers who do this do not care and are flat-out discourteous.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • In 2014, he was found to have been discourteous and used force.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Convincing a parent to get hearing aids can be a rough experience.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The journey back to the river camp was an arduous three-mile hike over rough terrain.
    Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rude. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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